HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Steve Francis scored 11 of his season-high
28 points in the first quarter, when the Houston Rockets needed
just over four minutes to seal a 110-83 victory over the Chicago
Bulls.

The Rockets shot 6-of-6 from the field in a game-opening 13-0
run as the Bulls did not sink their first basket until 7:55
remained in the quarter. For the period, Houston shot 57
percent from the field, scoring 20 points in the paint and
opening a 33-22 lead. Maurice Taylor scored 10 of his 12 points
in the period.

"I wanted to come out and try to set the tone for us," Taylor
said. "I got some open looks and hit the shots. I'm feeling
comfortable in Rudy's (coach Rudy Tomjanovich) system. I think
it's a good system for me to play in."

Francis made 10-of-15 shots and Cuttino Mobley added 20 points
for the Rockets, who never trailed and led by as many as 27
points in the fourth quarter. Houston had five players in double
figures.

"I think we came out very aggressive," said Francis, who also
had a season high-tying eight assists. "I think there were a
lot of situations early that were created, they were
double-teaming us inside and that opened up the lane for me, I
got some easy buckets that way."

It was the worst loss of the season for Chicago (1-6), which has
yet to break 95 points and committed 17 turnovers giving up 15
points.

Elton Brand had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Bulls, who
continued their dismal shooting trend, making just 40 percent
(36-of-88). They are shooting 38 percent this season, the worst
mark in the league.

"It was tough tonight," said Brand, who shared Rookie of the
Year honors with Francis last season. "I had a lot of foul
trouble. We cut it to five, but they executed well."

"We did a good job of double-teaming Elton and neutralizing
him," Francis said. "It was a good game for us."

The Bulls scored the first six points of the third period to cut
the deficit to 59-54. Francis scored six points and Hakeem
Olajuwon added five as Houston responded with a 14-2 burst to
rebuild a 73-56 lead with 5:02 remaining in the period.

"I thought at the half we had a chance, because we were only
down 11 and Elton was playing so well," said Bulls coach Tim
Floyd, whose team allowed Houston to shoot a season-high 55
percent. "We cut it in the third, but they called timeout and
our energy wasn't very good after that."

Olajuwon grabbed his 13,000th rebound early in the first period.
He is 11th on the all-time list, just 16 behind Buck Williams.